The Michigan and Ohio State rivalry is one of the most intense in college football; there is no argument there from Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham. As a new head coach who has never been a part of this rivalry, he doesn't have much to say about it, and honestly, that is okay.
During Big Ten Media Days, Whittingham was asked about the rivalry, and apparently, he didn't give a good enough answer for the fans to know that he really cares about it. However, while he knows how important it is, he also knows the 11 games that come before it are important too.
Still, a comment like that had fans wondering if he really understood the spirit of the rivalry, so Whittingham took another crack at talking about The Game during fall camp. Whittingham clarified his comments, but apparently, it still isn't good enough.
"(Would) we have a better chance to win if I hated them? I don't understand," Whittingham said. "Whatever gives us the best chance to win. I'm all for it. I want to beat them worse than anybody. I don't know how that got to be such a hot topic."
Kyle Whittingham is 100% right in his mindset on The Game and rivalry with Ohio State
The fact that Whittingham said that there are periods right now in fall camp completely dedicated to focusing on Ohio State should have been enough to put this all to bed, but it hasn't. However, Ohio State fans seem to think that Whittingham's comments on the rivalry mean he isn't cut out for the intensity.
Ohio State fans are already delusional enough as it is, but especially so if they think Whittingham taking this rivalry or hatred further is really going to give Michigan a leg up at the end of the season. As a new head coach, it is totally normal to treat a rivalry like Whittingham is, and the fact that it has now become a national narrative is ridiculous.
Of course, Whittingham is going to hate Ohio State simply being the head coach at Michigan, but adding extra hatred isn't going to magically give Michigan an advantage in the game at the end of the season. It is ridiculous that the man has to bash and go for blood in the media when it comes to Ohio State to be respected.
Honestly, it is more respectable to speak about the game with respect off the field and then have his players play with more intensity on the field. Let the actions speak louder than the words, and that seems to be the road that Whittingham is taking.
So, any Ohio State fans wanting to continue bashing Whittingham for his comments can go kick rocks; just let it be settled on the field in November.
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